The invention of the phonograph and the onset of the radio in the early 1900s brought this old-time music out of the rural Southern mountains to people all over the United States.
The Monroe Brothers were one of the most popular duet teams of the 1920s and into the 1930s. Charlie played the guitar, Bill played the mandolin and they sang duets in harmony. When the brothers split up as a team in 1938, both went on to form their own bands. Since Bill was a native of Kentucky, the Bluegrass State, he decided to call his band "Bill Monroe and the Blue Grass Boys," The invention of the phonograph and the onset of the radio in the early 1900s brought this old-time music out of the rural Southern mountains to people all over the United States.
his music incorporated songs and rhythms from string band, gospel (black and white), work songs and "shouts" of black labourers, country and blues music repertoires. Most believe that the classic bluegrass sound jelled in 1946, shortly after Earl Scruggs, a 21 year old banjo player from North Carolina, joined the band.
Scruggs played an innovative three-finger picking style on the banjo that energized enthusiastic audiences.
From 1948-1969, Flatt & Scruggs were a major force in introducing bluegrass music to America through national television, at major universities and coliseums, and at schoolhouse appearances in numerous towns.
The increased availability of traditional music recordings, nationwide indoor and outdoor bluegrass festivals and movie, television and commercial soundtracks featuring bluegrass music have aided in bringing this music out of modern day obscurity.
With our harmonicas you are invited to try before you buy, using our bellows system you can actually hear the harp in use before you buy it, safe in the knowledge that you aren't damaging it in any way. Call in to the store to find out more...
Bluegrass music is now performed and enjoyed around the world--the IBMA alone claims members in all 50 states and 30 countries. In addition to the to the classic style born in 1946 that is still performed widely, bluegrass bands today reflect influences from a variety of sources including traditional and fusion jazz, contemporary country music, Celtic music, rock & roll ("newgrass" or progressive bluegrass), old-time music and Southern gospel music--in addition to lyrics translated to various languages.
Hickies selection of bluegrass instruments includes most popular models for playing traditional and modern styles. We also stock an extensive range of learning material. In addition, Hickies can order other instruments that are not normally included in stock. Please contact us for further information or to talk to our on site bluegrass instrument specialist. Alternatively you can email Dave directly by clicking here.
Introducing: Hickory Creek
The pictures above and below are of "Hickory Creek". May we introduce: Ursula on electric violin and mandolin, Terry on guitar and mandolin, Dave whom you may recognize from this page (and Hickies) on banjo, guitar and mandolin, Vernon on guitar and slide guitar and Dave (another one!) on bass.
Playing traditional Irish, Bluegrass, folk and Country music, these musicians have been entertaining audiences across the south and west of England for some years, finally getting together as Hickory Creek in 2008. Their broad range of experience playing other styles with other bands is brought to bear in Hickory Creek and is based on their love of traditional music. Instruments used include Fender, Goldtone, Loar and Yamaha. Amplification includes AER, Yamaha and Shure.
